Senior Behavioral Health

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The Senior Behavioral Health Program at UC San Diego Health System is designed to treat and care for people 65 and older with mild, moderate or severe mental health concerns.

These mental health issues may be related to aging, chronic health problems, loss of loved ones or other stressful life events, or they may be conditions that have gone unaddressed for decades. Whatever the origin of a person’s mental health issue, our programs are tailored to help older adults improve day-to-day functioning and enjoy a higher quality of life and improved health.

We offer a range of services and programs to help maintain, treat or restore mental health, including individual, group and family therapy, medication therapy, psychotherapy, family education, occupational therapy and exercise/nutrition education. The program offers inpatient, outpatient and
intensive outpatient treatment options.

Signs that May Indicate the Need for Help

Mental health issues often go unrecognized and undiagnosed, particularly among older adults. Some signs that a person could benefit from a medical evaluation and potential treatment include:

Depression

Social withdrawal

Severe anxiety

Suicidal thoughts

Sleep and appetite changes

Loss of interest in appearance

Hallucinations

Confusion

Severe memory loss

Though patients are admitted to our programs only on a voluntary basis, health care professionals and family members may refer a patient directly to our program to encourage the person to seek out help. Free, confidential screenings are available at a patient's home or at our facilities.